A former media executive reevaluated his career after the pandemic and found himself surrounded by donkeys. Ron King founded Oscar’s Place in Hopland, California, to rescue and rehabilitate donkeys.
“I love my donkey hugs,” he told CBS News.
It’s a far cry from his pre-pandemic life of Gucci and Time Inc. commutes. He oversaw brand sales and marketing.
He said he “made it” when he flew first-class to Milan for a Versace show.
In 2018, Time Inc.’s sale led to King’s dismissal. After COVID-19, his freelance work dried up and despair set in.
Then, pop art dealer Phil Selway recruited King to market his unused property.
“It seemed win-win. Giving him another assignment would benefit him and me “said Selway.
King accepted the position and found peace on the land.
“My skull is constantly shaken. Never-ending. My brain was always chaotic. After 20 years, the snow globe ends “K.
Then serendipity happened. King found a narrative about donkeys, traditionally powerful pack animals.
Once they’re no longer usable, 30-year-old donkeys are auctioned, butchered, and skinned for traditional Chinese medicine.
“They have no supporters, don’t win races, and don’t feed anything. I decided to help donkeys “K. “I told Phil, “I have an idea.” Take it off the market and let me transform it into a donkey sanctuary.’”
“I thought Ron was crazy and I’d be crazy to go along with this,” Selway said. “It’s blown me away and I’m thrilled.”
They accept donations. 97 donkeys would have been murdered.
“Nobody had fed Patches in who knows how long,” King said of a ranch donkey. “Only love can cure a donkey’s emotional wounds.”
Helping donkeys may cure King’s unseen wounds. Despite being the son of a Southern Baptist pastor, King understood he was homosexual at a young age.
“Young, devout, and with a sissy boy, it didn’t work out. I just wanted to matter “king
By his 20s, King was homeless and drug-addicted. Overdosing helped him become sober.
King helps donkeys regain strength and trust so they may be adopted. He’s placed 30 donkeys.
“Long ago, proving myself inspired me. Deleted. But I want to matter, to donkeys, to people “K.
Amber Paz adopted his donkeys.
Paz answered, “This is my dream.” They’re adorable.
Paz was instantly smitten.
“She slept next to us and I said, “You’re mine.” If I can accomplish it, anybody can “saying,
Donkeys bond with humans.
“By their measures, I was successful. I was thrown off-balance “K. Being so close to despair is a lesson in perseverance and reversal.
“There’s hope. Not necessarily a freight train. Donkeys, “saying
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